Electronic device, unlocking method, and program

ABSTRACT

There is provided an electronic device capable of automatically unlocking a lock of an external storage device using a password without adding a function to the external storage device. An electronic device  100  includes a memory card connection unit  108  connecting a memory card  200  capable of being locked using the password, a password retention unit  101  retaining the password of the memory card  200 , a lock state determination unit  106  determining whether or not the memory card  200  connected to the memory card connection unit  108  is in a locked state, and a setting cancellation unit  105  transmitting an unlocking signal for unlocking the locked state of the memory card  200  on the basis of the password when it is determined that the memory card  200  is in the locked state.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic device, an unlockingmethod, a password setting method, a password erasing method, and aprogram, and particularly relates to an electronic device to which anexternal storage medium capable of being locked using a password isconnected, an unlocking method of the password, and a program forunlocking a lock using the password.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, it is possible to easily carry various information byusing a memory card such as an SD card or the like. By connecting thememory card to an electronic device, it is possible to import variousinformation stored in the memory card into the electronic device andperform processing in the electronic device.

Recently, with an increase in the capacity of the memory card, personalinformation or secret information is increasingly stored in the memorycard. In addition, with enhanced awareness of security of a user usingthe memory card, a memory card requiring an input of a password in orderto refer to information in the memory card is already present.

For example, there is known a computer system having a memory card forstoring data which can be reinserted even after being detached and has afunction of protecting stored data. In the computer system, it ispossible to perform a password lock using a Lock_Unlock command.

However, in this computer system, in the use of the memory cardprotected using the password, the password needs to be inputted everytime the memory card is connected to the electronic device such throughinsertion or the like, or every time the power of the memory card isturned on so that a burden on the user is increased.

As an example of a method which does not require the input of thepassword every time, there is known a method in which, when a user cardnumber and its personal identification number are inputted into onetransaction terminal in a game hall, the information is stored in acentral control device, and other transaction terminals connected to acentral processing device are usable within a predetermined exemptiontime period without the input of the personal identification number(see, e.g., Patent Document 1).

In addition, there is known a system in which a Web site providertemporarily writes data into a computer of a visitor through a Webbrowser to store the data. The system is called a cookie system, and itis possible to record information related to a user, the date and timeof the final visit to the site, the number of visits to the site,authentication information, and the like in the cookie. Consequently,when this system is used for the authentication of the memory card, theinput of the password is required only once when the memory card isconnected to the electronic device for the first time and, thereafter,the input of the password is no longer necessary.

Further, there is known a program which causes a computer to executestorage of input information such as an ID, a password, and the likeinputted in an input screen in a database and an automatic input of therecorded input information every time the input screen is opened (see,e.g., Patent Document 2).

-   Patent Document 1: JP-B-3335877-   Patent Document 2: JP-A-2004-259208

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the method of Patent Document 1, for example, when thememory card is locked as in a case where the predetermined exemptiontime period for the input of the password is exceeded, where the memorycard is reinserted, or where the power of the memory card is turned ononce again, the user has to repeatedly input the password in the memorycard.

In addition, in the cookie system described above, since a function ofgenerating and transmitting the cookie has to be added to the memorycard side, it is necessary to redesign the memory card, which is notpreferable in order to implement a reduction in the size of the memorycard.

Further, in the program of Patent Document 2, the use of the Web browseris presupposed, and the input screen is displayed for the case where aplurality of accounts for getting access to a specific site are present.Accordingly, the user has to perform some operation with respect to theinput screen so that the burden on the user is increased and theoperation becomes complicated. Furthermore, in order to get access tothe specific site, a client (user) has to specify a URL asidentification information for identifying the site so that the burdenon the user is increased and the operation becomes complicated.

The present invention has been achieved in view of the above-mentionedcircumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide anelectronic device, an locking method, and a program which are capable ofautomatically unlocking a lock of an external storage device using apassword without adding a function to the external storage device.

Means for Solving Problem

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic device according toa first aspect of the present invention includes: an external storagedevice connection part connecting an external storage device capable ofbeing locked by a password; a password retention part retaining thepassword of the external storage device; a lock state determination partdetermining whether or not the external storage device connected to theexternal storage device connection part is in a locked state; and anunlocking part transmitting an unlocking signal for unlocking the lockedstate of the external storage device on a basis of the password when thelock state determination part determines that the external storagedevice is in the locked state.

With this configuration, it is possible to automatically unlock a lockof the external storage device by the password without adding a functionto the external storage device.

The electronic device according to a second aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including an identificationinformation acquisition part acquiring identification information foridentifying the external storage device, wherein the password retentionpart retains the identification information on the external storagedevice and the password in association with each other, and theunlocking part transmits the unlocking signal on the basis of thepassword associated with the identification information whenidentification information identical with the identification informationacquired by the identification information acquisition part is retainedin the password retention part.

With this configuration, it is possible to attempt to perform unlockingwith the obtained identification information and the retained password,and is possible to unlock the lock using the password without performingthe input by a key operation or the like.

The electronic device according to a third aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the unlocking part fails inunlocking after the transmission of the unlocking signal, the unlockingpart retransmits the unlocking signal on the basis of a passwordinputted by an input part.

With this configuration, even when the unlocking has failed once, itbecomes possible to perform the unlocking with the inputted password.For example, even when the password of the external storage device hasbeen changed by another electronic device, it becomes possible toperform the unlocking.

The electronic device according to a fourth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the unlocking part succeeds inunlocking after the retransmission of the unlocking signal, theunlocking part stores the identification information acquired by theidentification information acquisition part and the password inputted bythe input part in the password retention part in association with eachother.

With this configuration, since the obtained identification informationand the inputted password are stored in association with each other, itbecomes possible to automatically unlock the lock using the passwordwhen the lock is unlocked after the storage.

The electronic device according to a fifth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the unlocking part fails inunlocking after the transmission of the unlocking signal on the basis ofthe password retained in the password retention part, the unlocking parttransmits the unlocking signal on the basis of another password retainedin the password retention part.

With this configuration, even when the identification information on theexternal storage device is not provided in the password retention part,it becomes possible to attempt to perform the unlocking by sequentiallyretrieving the password.

The electronic device according to a sixth aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including a password setting parttransmitting a password setting signal for setting the password to theexternal storage device.

With this configuration, for example, when the password is not added tothe external storage device, it becomes possible to set the password inthe external storage device.

The electronic device according to a seventh aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the password setting part transmits thepassword setting signal for setting the password inputted by the inputpart.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to set the password usingthe input by the key operation of the user or the like.

The electronic device according to an eighth aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including a password mode settingpart setting a password mode for setting or erasing the password,wherein when a password setting mode is set as the password mode, thepassword setting part transmits the password setting signal on the basisof the password associated with the identification information acquiredby the identification information acquisition part.

With this configuration, in the case of the password setting mode, itbecomes possible to automatically set the password without performingthe input by the key operation or the like. For example, when thepassword setting or unlocking has been performed once by the electronicdevice of concern and, thereafter, the password is erased, it becomespossible to automatically perform the password setting by using thepassword retained in the password retention part only by setting thepassword setting mode.

The electronic device according to a ninth aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including a password erasing parttransmitting a password erasing signal for erasing the password on thebasis of the password associated with the identification informationacquired by the identification information acquisition part when apassword erasing mode is set as the password mode.

With this configuration, in the case of the password erasing mode, itbecomes possible to automatically erase the password without performingthe input by the key operation or the like.

The electronic device according to a tenth aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including a main body lock modesetting part setting a main body lock mode for locking or unlocking afunction provided in the electronic device, wherein when a locking modeis set as the main body lock mode, the password mode setting part setsthe password setting mode as the password mode.

With this configuration, only by setting the main body locking mode, itbecomes possible to automatically perform the password setting inconjunction with the main body locking mode.

The electronic device according to an eleventh aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when an unlocking mode is set as themain body lock mode, the password mode setting part sets the passworderasing mode as the password mode.

With this configuration, only by setting the main body unlocking mode,it becomes possible to automatically perform the password erasing inconjunction with the main body unlocking mode.

The electronic device according to a twelfth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the password setting part stores the setpassword in the password retention part.

With this configuration, after the password setting, it becomes possibleto automatically unlock the lock using the password only by connectingthe external storage device to the electronic device of concern.

The electronic device according to a thirteenth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the password is a password for lockingor unlocking the function provided in the electronic device.

With this configuration, since the main body locking password and thepassword of the external storage device become the same password, itbecomes possible to reduce the number of passwords which the user isrequired to memorize.

The electronic device according to a fourteenth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the password is based on ICidentification information for identifying an IC card connected to theelectronic device.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to reduce the number ofpasswords which the user is required to memorize. In addition, it ispossible to perform the password setting without performing the input bythe key operation or the like.

The electronic device according to a fifteenth aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including a password generation partgenerating the password.

With this configuration, the password can be set without performing theinput by the key operation or the like. In addition, by performing thepassword generation by using random numbers or time, or performing theconversion or encryption of the identification information on the ICcard, the password with high security is obtained.

The electronic device according to a sixteenth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the password generation part generatesthe password on the basis of the identification information foridentifying the external storage device and identification informationfor identifying an IC card connected to the electronic device.

With this configuration, the password can be set without performing theinput by the key operation or the like, and the password with highsecurity is obtained.

The electronic device according to a seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including: a data access part forgetting access to data of the external storage device; and a powersupply part supplying power to the external storage device during a timeperiod when the access is performed by the data access part, whereinwhen the power is supplied by the power supply part, the unlocking parttransmits the unlocking signal.

With this configuration, for example, when a power saving setting ismade in order to implement power saving, it becomes possible to unlockthe lock using the password in response to the power saving setting. Inthis case, for example, when the access is made to the external storagedevice, the lock using the password is unlocked by performing the powersupply. When the access is not made to the external storage device for apredetermined time period, the power saving is implemented by notperforming the power supply, and it becomes possible to automaticallyperform the unlocking every time the power supply is resumed.

The electronic device according to an eighteenth aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including an IC card connection partconnecting the IC card having the password retention part, wherein whendata reference or data storage is performed to the password retentionpart of the IC card, the unlocking part or the identificationinformation acquisition part makes an access request to the IC card.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to store the password andthe identification information on the card in the storage part in the ICcard and, by connecting the IC card retaining the password to anotherelectronic device, it becomes possible to carry out the password settingand the unlocking in the another electronic device only by connectingthe external storage device to the another electronic device.

The electronic device according to a nineteenth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the IC card is a SIM card.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to carry out the effectivepassword setting and unlocking each utilizing the SIM card.

The electronic device according to a twentieth aspect of the presentinvention is configured by further including a display part performing adisplay for reporting at least one of a password setting state in theexternal storage device and a lock setting state of the external storagedevice.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to recognize whether or notthe password is set in the external storage device and whether or notthe external storage device is in the locked state at a glance.Accordingly, for example, it is possible to discern whether an unlockedstate is caused simply because the password is not set or the unlockedstate is automatically caused after the locked state because thepassword is set.

The electronic device according to a twenty-first aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the password is set in theexternal storage device and the external storage device is in the lockedstate, the display part displays that the password is set in theexternal storage device and the external storage device is in the lockedstate.

With this configuration, it is possible to instantly determine that thepassword is already set and the external storage device is locked.

The electronic device according to a twenty-second aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the password is set in theexternal storage device and the external storage device is in anunlocked state, the display part displays that the password is set inthe external storage device and the external storage device is in theunlocked state.

With this configuration, it is possible to instantly determine that theexternal storage device is not in a state where the external storagedevice is not locked because the password is not set, but in a statewhere the password is set and the external storage device is unlocked.

The electronic device according to a twenty-third aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the password is not set in theexternal storage device, the display part displays that the password isnot set in the external storage device.

With this configuration, it is possible to instantly determine that theexternal storage device is not in the state where the password is setand the external storage device is unlocked, but in the state where theexternal storage device is not locked because the password is not set.

The electronic device according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the unlocking signal includes thepassword.

With this configuration, the external storage device can perform theunlocking.

The electronic device according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the password setting signal includes thepassword.

With this configuration, the external storage device can perform thepassword setting.

The electronic device according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that the password erasing signal includes thepassword.

With this configuration, the external storage device can perform thepassword erasing.

The electronic device according to a twenty-seventh aspect of thepresent invention is configured in that, when the password setting modeis set as the password mode, and when the identification informationacquired by the identification information acquisition part is notretained in the password retention part, the password setting parttransmits the password setting signal on the basis of the passwordinputted by the input part.

With this configuration, in the case of the password setting mode, itbecomes possible to reliably set the password in the memory card inwhich the password is not set.

The electronic device according to a twenty-eighth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the external storage device isbrought into the locked state on the basis of the power supply to theexternal storage device, the lock state determination part determinesthat the password is set in the external storage device and the externalstorage device is in the locked state.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to display a lock icon.

The electronic device according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the external storage device isbrought into the locked state on the basis of the power supply to theexternal storage device and the unlocking of the locked state issuccessfully performed using the unlocking signal, the lock statedetermination part determines that the password is set in the externalstorage device and the external storage device is in the unlocked state.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to display an unlock icon.

The electronic device according to a thirtieth aspect of the presentinvention is configured in that, when the external storage device is notbrought into the locked state on the basis of the power supply to theexternal storage device, the lock state determination part determinesthat the password is not set in the external storage device.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to display a password unseticon.

An unlocking method of a first aspect of the present invention includes,in an electronic device, the steps of: determining whether or not anexternal storage device is in a locked state; and transmitting anunlocking signal for unlocking the locked state of the external storagedevice on a basis of a password retained in a password retention partretaining the password of the external storage device when it isdetermined that the external storage device connected to an externalstorage device connection part connecting the external storage devicecapable of being locked using the password is in the locked state.

With this method, it is possible to automatically unlock the lock of theexternal storage device using the password without adding the functionto the external storage device.

A program of a first aspect of the present invention is a program forcausing a computer to execute the individual steps of the unlockingmethod.

With this program, it is possible to automatically unlock the lock ofthe external storage device using the password without adding thefunction to the external storage device.

Advantageous Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, there can be provided an electronicdevice, an unlocking method, and a program which are capable ofautomatically unlocking a lock of an external storage device using apassword without adding a function to the external storage device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of anelectronic device in a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a password retention table in thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of operations of theelectronic device in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operations of theelectronic device in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of anelectronic device in a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of anelectronic device in a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of operations when theelectronic device in the third embodiment of the present invention is ina password erasing mode;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of operations when theelectronic device in the third embodiment of the present invention is ina password setting mode;

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of anelectronic device in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of anelectronic device in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of anelectronic device in a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of anelectronic device in a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a schematic configuration of anelectronic device in an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of an electronic device performinga display in a ninth embodiment of the present invention and examples oficons displayed by a display part of the electronic device;

FIG. 15 shows examples of screen displays by the display part of theelectronic device in the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows examples of screen displays by the display part of theelectronic device in the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 shows examples of screen displays by the display part of theelectronic device in the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen display by the display part of theelectronic device in the ninth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 shows examples of the screen displays by the display part of theelectronic device in the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

EXPLANATIONS OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS

-   -   100 electronic device    -   101 password retention unit    -   102 input unit    -   103 power supply unit    -   104 card unique ID acquisition unit    -   105 setting cancellation unit    -   106 lock state determination unit    -   107 data access unit    -   108 memory card connection unit    -   109 power control unit    -   110 password mode setting unit    -   111 password erasing unit    -   112 IC card connection unit    -   113 main body lock unit    -   114 IC unique ID conversion unit    -   115 password generation unit    -   116 main body lock mode setting unit    -   117 display part    -   200 memory card    -   201 electronic device connection unit    -   202 data storage unit    -   203 password determination unit    -   204 password retention unit    -   205 lock unit    -   206 card unique ID transmission unit    -   300 IC card    -   301 password retention unit

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A description will be given hereinbelow to an electronic device, anunlocking method, and a program in embodiments of the present inventionby using the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a view showing one example of schematic configurations of anelectronic device 100 and a memory card 200 in a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

The electronic device 100 includes a password retention unit 101, aninput unit 102, a power supply unit 103, a card unique ID acquisitionunit 104, a setting cancellation unit 105, a lock state determinationunit 106, a data access unit 107, and a memory card connection unit 108.As the electronic device 100, there can be considered a PC, a PDA, aportable telephone terminal, a television, a digital still camera, adigital video camera, an IC recorder, a printer, an AV player, an AVrecorder, an HDD portable storage, a car navigation terminal, and otherelectronic devices each to which an external storage device such as thememory card 200 or the like can be connected.

It is to be noted that the memory card connection unit 108 is an exampleof “an external storage device connection part”. In addition, thesetting cancellation unit 105 has functions as “an unlocking part” and“a password setting part”. Further, the card unique ID acquisition unit104 has a function as “an identification information acquisition part”.

The memory card 200 includes an electronic device connection unit 201, adata storage unit 202, a password determination unit 203, a passwordretention unit 204, a lock unit 205, and a card unique ID transmissionunit 206. The memory card 200 will be described herein as an example ofthe external storage device. Alternatively, as the external storagedevice, there can be considered storage devices such as, e.g., a diskmedium such as a hard disk, a DVD, or the like, and a semiconductormemory device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a USB memory, or thelike. In addition, as the memory card 200, there can be considered an SD(Secure Digital) card, an MMC (Multi Media Card), a memory stick, anxD-picture card, a Compact Flash (registered trademark), and aSmartMedia.

The password retention unit 101 retains a password set by the settingcancellation unit 105. For example, the password retention unit 101 hasa password retention table 101 a. In the password retention table 101 a,a card unique ID for identifying the memory card 200 and the password ofthe card are stored in association with each other (paired up with eachother). FIG. 2 is an example of the password retention table 101 a.

The card unique ID is normally allocated to each memory card 200.However, for example, when the memory card 200 has a plurality ofpartitions, it is also possible to set the card unique ID and thepassword for each partition. Also in this case, it is possible to haveone card unique ID and set a different password for each partition. Withthis arrangement, it is possible to bring each partition into a lockedstate or an unlocked state.

In addition, only the password may be stored in the password retentiontable 101 a without storing the card unique ID therein. In this case,the password associated with the card unique ID is not acquired, but thepasswords are referred to in ascending order in the password retentiontable 101 a, and the password meeting predetermined conditions isacquired.

The input unit 102 is a unit for inputting text, an image, and sound.There can be considered, e.g., an input key, a camera, a microphone, andthe like as the input unit 102. The input unit 102 inputs the passwordor the like.

The power supply unit 103 supplies power to the memory card 200 via thememory card connection unit 108.

The card unique ID acquisition unit 104 acquires the card unique IDtransmitted from the memory card 200 via the memory card connection unit108, and stores the card unique ID in the password retention unit 101.

The setting cancellation unit 105 stores the password inputted by theinput unit 102 in the password retention unit 101. In addition, thesetting cancellation unit 105 transmits a password setting signal forsetting the password to the memory card 200 via the memory cardconnection unit 108. The password setting signal includes the passwordand a control signal from the input unit 102 or the password retentionunit 101.

Further, the setting cancellation unit 105 transmits an unlocking signalfor unlocking the locked state of the memory card 200 to the memory card200 via the memory card connection unit 108. The unlocking signalincludes the password and the control signal from the password retentionunit 101 or the input unit 102.

The lock state determination unit 106 determines whether or not thememory card 200 is in the locked state using the password. For example,the lock state determination unit 106 acquires a locked state signalfrom the memory card 200 via the memory card connection unit 108 todetermine whether or not the memory card 200 is in the locked state. Inaddition, the lock state determination unit 106 determines whether ornot the password is set in the memory card 200.

The data access unit 107 transmits an access signal for performing readprocessing and write processing with respect to data stored in the datastorage unit 202 of the memory card 200 to the memory card 200 via thememory card connection unit 108.

The memory card connection unit 108 is a unit for connecting the memorycard 200, and is, e.g., a connection terminal. For example, the memorycard is inserted into a memory card slot, and the memory card connectionunit 108 and the electronic device connection unit 201 are connected toeach other, whereby it becomes possible to perform a data exchange. Inaddition, the memory card connection unit 108 has a function fordetecting the connection such as the insertion of the memory card 200 orthe like.

The electronic device connection unit 201 is a unit for the connectionto the electronic device 100, and is, e.g., the connection terminal. Forexample, the memory card 200 is inserted into the memory card slot, andthe memory card connection unit 108 of the electronic device 100 and theelectronic device connection unit 201 are connected to each other,whereby it becomes possible to perform the data exchange.

The data storage unit 202 stores various data.

The password determination unit 203 determines whether or not thepassword included in the unlocking signal and the password retained inthe password retention unit 204 are identical with each other. Inaddition, when acquiring the password setting signal via the electronicdevice connection unit 201, the password determination unit 203 storesthe password included in the password setting signal in the passwordretention unit 204.

The password retention unit 204 retains the password of the memory card200.

When power is supplied to the memory card 200, the lock unit 205performs locking for prohibiting access to the data storage part 202 tobring the memory card 200 into the locked state. In addition, when it isdetermined that target passwords to be determined are identical witheach other by the password determination unit 203, the lock unit 205performs unlocking for unlocking the locked state.

In addition, when the lock unit 205 performs locking, the lock unit 205transmits the locked state signal indicative of the locked state to theelectronic device 100 via the electronic device connection unit 201.Further, when the lock unit 205 performs unlocking, the lock unit 205transmits an unlocking completion signal indicative of the completion ofunlocking to the electronic device 100 via the electronic deviceconnection unit 201. Furthermore, when the lock unit 205 fails inunlocking, the lock unit 205 may also be adapted to transmit anunlocking error signal indicative of the failure of unlocking to theelectronic device 100 via the electronic device connection unit 201.

The card unique ID transmission unit 206 transmits the card unique ID tothe electronic device 100 via the electronic device connection unit 201.

Next, a description will be given to an example of operations of theelectronic device 100. FIGS. 3 and 4 are flow charts each showing theexample of the operations of the electronic device 100.

When the memory card connection unit 108 detects the connection such asthe insertion of the memory card 200 into the memory card slot (stepS101), the power supply unit 103 supplies power to the memory card 200(step S102).

Subsequently, the card unique ID acquisition unit 104 acquires the cardunique ID from the memory card 200 (step S103).

Then, the lock state determination unit 106 determines whether or notthe memory card 200 is in the locked state (step S104). In thisdetermination, for example, the lock state determination unit 106acquires the locked state signal from the memory card 200 to determinewhether or not the memory card 200 is in the locked state.

It is to be noted that the step S103 and the step S104 are in noparticular order.

When it is determined that the memory card 200 is not in the lockedstate, the electronic device 100 is in a state where it can get accessto the memory card 200. In this state, various settings can be made forthe memory card 200 by the instruction of a user. For example, when theuser sets the password in the memory card 200, as shown in FIG. 15described later, a setting mode for performing the password setting isselected, and the input unit 102 inputs the password by the instructionof the user (step S105).

Subsequently, the setting cancellation unit 105 transmits the passwordsetting signal in order to set the inputted password in the memory card200 (step S106).

Then, the setting cancellation unit 105 stores the acquired card uniqueID and the inputted password in the password retention unit 101 inassociation with each other (step S107). This completes the passwordsetting.

In the step S104, when it is determined that the memory card 200 is inthe locked state, the setting cancellation part 105 refers to thepassword retention table 101 a retained in the password retention unit101, and determines whether or not the card unique ID identical with theacquired card unique ID is present (step S108).

When the identical card unique ID is present, the setting cancellationunit 105 reads the password recorded in association with (paired upwith) the card unique ID of concern from the password retention unit 101(step S109).

For example, in FIG. 2, when the card unique ID is “ID 1”, the settingcancellation unit 105 reads the password “PW 1”.

Next, the setting cancellation unit 105 transmits the unlocking signalincluding the read password (step S110).

Subsequently, the lock state determination unit 106 determines whetheror not the unlocking is successful (step S111). In this determination,for example, the unlocking may be determined to be successful when theunlocking completion signal is detected within a predetermined timeperiod since the transmission of the unlocking signal, and the unlockingmay also be determined to be unsuccessful when the unlocking errorsignal is detected.

When the unlocking is successful, the processing of the unlocking isended. When the unlocking is unsuccessful, the operational flow advancesto the part of the flow immediately before the step S112.

When the identical card unique ID is not present in the step S108, orwhen the unlocking is unsuccessful in the step S111, the input unit 102inputs the password by the instruction of the user (step S112).

Subsequently, the setting cancellation unit 105 transmits the unlockingsignal including the inputted password (step S113).

Next, the lock state determination unit 106 determines whether or notthe unlocking is successful (step S114). In this determination, forexample, the unlocking may be determined to be successful when theunlocking completion signal is detected within the predetermined timeperiod since the transmission of the unlocking signal, and the unlockingmay also be determined to be unsuccessful when the unlocking errorsignal is detected. When the unlocking is unsuccessful, the operationalflow returns to the part of the flow immediately before the step S112.

When the unlocking is successful, the setting cancellation unit 105stores the acquired card unique ID and the inputted password in thepassword retention unit 101 in association with each other (paired upwith each other) (step S115). It is to be noted that, when the passwordis already stored, the password is updated with the inputted password.This ends the processing of the unlocking and the password setting.

When the locked state is unlocked, the data access unit 107 is capableof getting access to various data stored in the data storage unit 202 toperform the read processing, the write processing, and the like.

According to such electronic device 100, it is possible to automaticallyunlock the lock of the memory card 200 using the password without addinga function to the memory card 200. In addition, even when the memorycard 200 is inserted and detached, the lock is unlocked without repeatedinput of the password by the user so that convenience is improved.

For example, when the memory card 200 of which the password setting orthe unlocking is once successfully performed by the electronic device100 is connected, since the card unique ID and the password of thememory card 200 are recorded in the password retention unit 101 of theelectronic device 100 in association with each other, the unlockingsignal is automatically generated from the recorded information, andtransmitted to the memory card 200. In the memory card 200, the passwordis extracted from the unlocking signal, the extracted password iscompared with the password retained in the password retention unit 204,and it is possible to automatically perform the unlocking when thepasswords match with each other.

As a case where the passwords do not match with each other, there can beconsidered a case where the password is changed by another electronicdevice after the memory card 200 is connected to the electronic device100 and the card unique ID and the password are recorded in the passwordretention unit 101. In this manner, even in a case where the password ischanged after it is once set, it is possible to perform the unlocking byinputting the password after the change by the key operation or thelike. In this case, the unlocking is performed and, at the same time,the password before the change is updated with the inputted password asthe password in correspondence to the card unique ID. Consequently, whenthe memory card 200 is connected after the update, it is possible toautomatically perform the unlocking without performing the input of thepassword.

In addition, when the memory card 200 is connected to the electronicdevice 100 for the first time, since the card unique ID and the passwordof the memory card 200 are not recorded in the password retention unit101, it is possible to perform the unlocking by inputting the passwordby the key operation or the like. In this case, the unlocking isperformed and, at the same time, the card unique ID and the inputtedpassword are stored in the password retention unit 101 in associationwith each other. Consequently, when the memory card 200 is connectedafter the storage, it is possible to automatically perform the unlockingwithout performing the input of the password.

Further, in a case where the locked state of the memory card 200 is notdetected even when the memory card 200 is connected to the electronicdevice 100 and the power is supplied to the memory card 200, there canbe considered a case where the password is not set in the memory card200. In this case, it is possible to set the password by inputting thepassword by the key operation or the like. When the password is set, thecard unique ID and the inputted password are stored in the passwordretention unit 101 in association with each other. Consequently,thereafter, when the memory card 200 is connected, the memory card 200is automatically locked by supplying the power thereto, and theunlocking can be automatically performed without performing the input ofthe password.

When an external storage device which does not retain the card unique IDsuch as the hard disk or the like is connected to the electronic device100 instead of the memory card 200, for example, there may be adopted anoperation in which the unlocking signal including the password retainedin the password retention table 101 a is transmitted, the unlockingsignal is generated by sequentially retrieving the password in the tableuntil the unlocking is successfully performed, and the unlocking signalis kept transmitted until the unlocking signal is received. With thisoperation, even when the external storage device which dose not retainthe card unique ID is connected to the electronic device 100, it ispossible to automatically perform the unlocking.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a view showing examples of schematic configurations of anelectronic device 1008 and the memory card 200 in a second embodiment ofthe present invention. In the electronic device 1008 and the memory card200, the description of the components which are the same as those inthe configurations of the electronic device 100 and the memory card 200shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted or simplified by retaining the samereference numerals. In addition, in the electronic device 1008, sinceoperations thereof are similar to the operations of the electronicdevice 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, only different operations will bedescribed. As the electronic device 1008, there can be considered thePC, the PDA, the portable telephone terminal, the television, thedigital still camera, the digital video camera, the IC recorder, theprinter, the AV player, the AV recorder, the HDD portable storage, thecar navigation terminal, and other electronic devices each to which theexternal storage device such as the memory card 200 or the like can beconnected.

The electronic device 100B has a power control unit 109 in addition tothe components of the electronic device 100. The power control unit 109controls power supplied to the memory card 200.

Next, a description will be given to an example of the operations of theelectronic device 100B. The electronic device 100B also performs theprocessing of FIGS. 3 and 4 similarly to the electronic device 100.

When the memory card 200 is connected to the electronic device 100 butnot in use, the power control unit 109 controls the power such that thepower supply to the memory card 200 by the power supply unit 103 isstopped. In other words, the electronic device 100B does not perform theprocessing in the steps S102 to S115 in FIGS. 3 and 4 to suspend theprocessing. For example, when a data access request by the data accessunit 107 dose not occur for a predetermined time period, it isdetermined herein that the memory card 200 is not in use.

In addition, when the memory card 200 is put in use from a state wherethe power supply to the memory card 200 is stopped, the power controlunit 109 controls the power such that the power supply to the memorycard 200 by the power supply unit 103 is resumed. In other words, theelectronic device 100B resumes the processing in the steps S102 to S115in FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, when the data access request by the dataaccess unit 107 occurs, it is determined herein that the memory card 200is put in use.

According to such electronic device 100B, even when the power suppliedto the memory card 200 is controlled in order to suppress the powerconsumption of the memory card 200, the lock is unlocked without therepeated input of the password by the user so that convenience isimproved.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a view showing examples of schematic configurations of anelectronic device 100C and the memory card 200 in a third embodiment ofthe present invention. In the electronic device 100C and the memory card200, the description of the components which are the same as those inthe configurations of the electronic device 100 and the memory card 200shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted or simplified by retaining the samereference numerals. As the electronic device 100C, there can beconsidered the PC, the PDA, the portable telephone terminal, thetelevision, the digital still camera, the digital video camera, the ICrecorder, the printer, the AV player, the AV recorder, the HDD portablestorage, the car navigation terminal, and other electronic devices eachto which the external storage device such as the memory card 200 or thelike can be connected.

The electronic device 100C has a password mode setting unit 110 and apassword erasing unit 111 in addition to the components of theelectronic device 100.

The password mode setting unit 110 sets a password setting mode forsetting the password or a password erasing mode for erasing the passwordas the password mode for operating the password of the memory card 200.The password mode may also be set by the input by the input unit 102.

When the password mode is set to the password erasing mode, the passworderasing unit 111 transmits a password erasing signal for erasing thepassword retained in the password retention unit 204 of the memory card200 to the memory card 200 via the memory card connection unit 108. Thepassword erasing signal includes the password of the memory card 200retained in the password retention unit 101 and the control signal.

In addition to the function of the password determination unit of thefirst embodiment, the password determination unit 203 has a function ofsearching the password retention unit 204 and erasing the passwordidentical with the password included in the password erasing signal whenthe password determination unit 203 acquires the password erasing signalvia the electronic device connection unit 201.

Next, a description will be given to an example of the operations whenthe electronic device 100C is in the password erasing mode. FIG. 7 is aview showing the example of the operations when the electronic device100C is in the password erasing mode. It is to be noted that the cardunique ID and the password of the memory card 200 connected to theelectronic device 100C are assumed to be retained in the passwordretention unit 101.

First, the password mode setting unit 110 sets the password erasing modeas the password mode (step S201).

Subsequently, the card unique ID acquisition unit 104 acquires the cardunique ID from the memory card 200 (step S202). It is to be noted thatthe steps S201 and S202 are in no particular order.

Then, the password erasing unit 111 reads the password in correspondenceto the card unique ID identical with the acquired card unique ID bysearching the password retention unit 101 (step S203). It is to be notedthat, when the card unique ID identical with the acquired card unique IDis not present in the password retention unit 101, the input unit 102may also be adapted to input the password by the instruction of the useraccording to a sequence similar to the step S112.

Next, the password erasing unit 111 transmits the password erasingsignal including the read password (step S204). It is to be noted that,when the password erasing is unsuccessful, the input unit 102 may alsobe adapted to input the password by the instruction of the useraccording to the sequence similar to the step S112. It is possible todetermine whether or not the password erasing is successful by, e.g.,whether or not a password erasing completion signal indicative of thecompletion of the password erasing is received from the memory card 200.

By providing such password erasing mode, even other electronic deviceswhich do not have the password function and are not capable of readingdata in the memory card with the password added thereto become capableof reading the data in the memory card 200.

Next, a description will be given to an example of the operations whenthe electronic device 100C is in the password setting mode. FIG. 8 is aview showing the example of the operations when the electronic device100C is in the password setting mode. It is to be noted that the cardunique ID and the password of the memory card 200 connected to theelectronic device 100C are assumed to be retained in the passwordretention unit 101.

First, the password mode setting unit 110 sets the password setting modeas the password mode (step S301).

Subsequently, the card unique ID acquisition unit 104 acquires the cardunique ID from the memory card 200 (step S302). It is to be noted thatthe steps S301 and S302 are in no particular order.

Next, the setting cancellation unit 105 searches the password retentionunit 101 to read the password in correspondence to the card unique IDidentical with the acquired card unique ID (step S303). It is to benoted that, when the card unique ID identical with the acquired cardunique ID is not present, the password is inputted by the input unit102, and the password may be treated as the read password. With thisoperation, it becomes possible to reliably set the password in thememory card 200 in which the password is not set.

Then, the setting cancellation unit 105 transmits the password settingsignal including the read password (step S304).

By providing such password setting mode, when the deletion or resettingof the password is performed with respect to, e.g., the memory card 200in which the password has been set once, it becomes possible toautomatically delete the password of the memory card 200, and add thepassword to the memory card 200 without the repeated input of thepassword so that convenience is improved.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a view showing examples of schematic configurations of anelectronic device 100D, the memory card 200, and an IC card 300 in afourth embodiment of the present invention. In the electronic device100D and the memory card 200, the description of the components whichare the same as those in the configurations of the electronic device 100and the memory card 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted or simplified byretaining the same reference numerals. In addition, in the electronicdevice 100D, since operations thereof are similar to the operations ofthe electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, only differentoperations will be described. As the electronic device 100D, there canbe considered the PC, the PDA, the portable telephone terminal, thetelevision, the digital still camera, the digital video camera, the ICrecorder, the printer, the AV player, the AV recorder, the HDD portablestorage, the car navigation terminal, and other electronic devices eachto which the external storage device such as the memory card 200 or thelike can be connected.

The electronic device 100D includes the power supply unit 103, the cardunique ID acquisition unit 104, the setting cancellation unit 105, thelock state determination unit 106, the data access unit 107, the memorycard connection unit 108, and an IC card connection unit 112.

The IC card connection unit 112 is a unit for connecting the IC card300, and is, e.g., the connection terminal. For example, the insertionof the IC card 300 into an IC card slot allows the data exchange withthe IC card 300.

The IC card 300 is, e.g., a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, andhas a password retention unit 301. The IC card 300 has an IC unique IDas identification information on the IC card 300.

The password retention unit 301 has a function similar to that of thepassword retention unit 101 of the electronic device 100. In addition,the password retention unit 301 does not need to retain the passwordoptionally set for each memory card 200 when the IC unique ID is used asthe password in correspondence to each card unique ID.

Next, a description will be given to an example of the operations of theelectronic device 100D. The electronic device 100D also performs theprocessing in FIGS. 3 and 4 similarly to the electronic device 100.

When performing the processing in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electronic device100D performs read and storage of the card unique ID and the passwordwith respect to the password retention unit 301 via the IC cardconnection unit 112. In other words, the electronic device 100 performsthe input of the password using the input unit 102, the storage of thecard unique ID and the password into the password retention unit 101,and the read of the password from the password retention unit 101.However, the electronic device 100D performs the processing in FIGS. 3and 4 by using the password retention unit 301 of the IC card 300instead of using the password retention unit 101 and the input unit 102to carry out the password setting and the unlocking. In this case, inorder to perform the data storage and data reference such as the read ofdata or the like, the access request is transmitted to the IC card 300.

According to such electronic device 100D, even when the IC card 300 suchas the SIM card is inserted into another electronic device and used, itis possible to use the memory card 200 without the re-input of thepassword so that convenience is improved. In addition, by inserting theIC card having the password stored therein into another device havingthe function of the electronic device 100D, it is possible to transferthe password to the another device.

In addition, when the IC unique ID is retained as the password in thepassword retention unit 301, it becomes possible for the user to performthe password setting and the unlocking of the memory card 200 withoutperforming the input of the password. Further, it becomes possible toreduce the number of passwords which the user is required to memorize.In this case, it is to be noted that the IC unique ID is automaticallyset as the password without performing the input of the password by theinput unit 102 in the electronic device 100D.

Furthermore, when the IC unique ID is used as the password, since thepassword is same for all memory cards 200, the password retention unit301 does not need to be provided, and the password retention unit may beprovided in the electronic device 100D.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a view showing examples of schematic configurations of anelectronic device 100E and the memory card 200 in a fifth embodiment ofthe present invention. In the electronic device 100E and the memory card200, the description of the components which are the same as those inthe configurations of the electronic device 100 and the memory card 200shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted or simplified by retaining the samereference numerals. In addition, in the electronic device 100E, sinceoperations thereof are similar to the operations of the electronicdevice 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, only different operations will bedescribed. As the electronic device 100E, there can be considered thePC, the PDA, the portable telephone terminal, the television, thedigital still camera, the digital video camera, the IC recorder, theprinter, the AV player, the AV recorder, the HDD portable storage, thecar navigation terminal, and other electronic devices each to which theexternal storage device such as the memory card 200 or the like can beconnected.

The electronic device 100E has a main body lock unit 113 in addition tothe components of the electronic device 100.

The password retention unit 101 retains each card unique ID and thepassword for locking and unlocking a main body of the electronic device100E.

The input unit 102 performs the input of the password for locking andunlocking the main body of the electronic device 100E and the like.

The main body lock unit 113 locks and unlocks the main body of theelectronic device 100E using the password. The portion locked by themain body lock unit 112 may include all functions or a part of thefunctions of the electronic device 100E.

Next, a description will be given to an example of the operations of theelectronic device 100E. The electronic device 100E also performs theprocessing in FIGS. 3 and 4 similarly to the electronic device 100.

When performing the processing in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the electronicdevice 100E, the input of the password by the input unit 102 is notperformed, but a password of the main body of the electronic device 100Eis automatically set as the password. For example, when the password isset or the unlocking is performed, instead of the processing ofinputting the password (e.g., the steps S105 and S112), the password ofthe main body of the electronic device 100E retained in the passwordretention unit 101 is used.

According to such electronic device 100E, it is possible to set thepassword used in the main body of the electronic device 100E as thepassword of the memory card 200, and it becomes possible for the user toperform the password setting and the unlocking of the memory card 200without performing the input of the password. Further, it becomespossible to reduce the number of passwords which the user is required tomemorize.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a view showing examples of schematic configurations of anelectronic device 100F, the memory card 200, and the IC card 300 in asixth embodiment of the present invention. In the electronic device 100Fand the memory card 200, the description of the components which are thesame as those in the configurations of the electronic device 100 and thememory card 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted or simplified byretaining the same reference numerals. In addition, in the electronicdevice 100F, since operations thereof are similar to the operations ofthe electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, only differentoperations will be described. As the electronic device 100F, there canbe considered the PC, the PDA, the portable telephone terminal, thetelevision, the digital still camera, the digital video camera, the ICrecorder, the printer, the AV player, the AV recorder, the HDD portablestorage, the car navigation terminal, and other electronic devices eachto which the external storage device such as the memory card 200 or thelike can be connected.

When compared with the components of the electronic device 100, theelectronic device 100F does not include the password retention unit 101and the input unit 102, and has the IC card connection unit 112 and anIC unique ID conversion unit 114. It is to be noted that the IC uniqueID conversion unit has a function as “a password generation part”.

The IC card connection unit 112 is a unit for connecting the IC card300, and is, e.g., the connection terminal. For example, the insertionof the IC card 300 into the IC card slot allows the data exchange withthe IC card 300.

The IC unique ID conversion unit 114 generates the password on the basisof the card unique ID of the memory card 200 and the IC unique ID of theIC card 300, and directly sends the password to the setting cancellationunit 105 so as to carry out the password setting and the unlocking ofthe memory card 200.

The IC card 300 is, e.g., the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. TheIC card 300 has the IC unique ID as the identification information onthe IC card 300.

Next, a description will be given to an example of the operations of theelectronic device 100F. The electronic device 100F also performs theprocessing in FIGS. 3 and 4 similarly to the electronic device 100.

When performing the processing in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the electronicdevice 100F, the input of the password by the input unit 102 is notperformed, but the password generated by the IC unique ID conversionunit 114 is used. When the password is set or the unlocking isperformed, instead of the processing of inputting the password (e.g.,the steps S105 and S112), the password generation by the IC unique IDconversion unit 114 is performed, and the password is sent to thesetting cancellation unit 105.

According to such electronic device 100F, it becomes possible for theuser to perform the password setting and the unlocking of the memorycard 200 without performing the input of the password. Further, sincethe different password is set for each memory card 200, the password ismade safer than conventional passwords in terms of security.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a view showing examples of schematic configurations of anelectronic device 1000, the memory card 200, and the IC card 300 in aseventh embodiment of the present invention. In the electronic device100G and the memory card 200, the description of the components whichare the same as those in the configurations of the electronic device 100and the memory card 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted or simplified byretaining the same reference numerals. In addition, in the electronicdevice 100G, since operations thereof are similar to the operations ofthe electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, only differentoperations will be described. As the electronic device 1000, there canbe considered the PC, the PDA, the portable telephone terminal, thetelevision, the digital still camera, the digital video camera, the ICrecorder, the printer, the AV player, the AV recorder, the HDD portablestorage, the car navigation terminal, and other electronic devices eachto which the external storage device such as the memory card 200 or thelike can be connected.

The electronic device 100G includes the power supply unit 103, the cardunique ID acquisition unit 104, the setting cancellation unit 105, thelock state determination unit 106, the data accessing unit 107, thememory card connection unit 108, the IC card connection unit 112, and apassword generation unit 115.

The IC card connection unit 112 is a unit for connecting the IC card300, and is, e.g., the connection terminal. For example, the insertionof the IC card 300 into the IC card slot allows the data exchange withthe IC card 300.

The password generation unit 115 generates the password, and stores thepassword in the password retention unit 301 via the IC card connectionunit 113. With regard to the method for generating the password, forexample, the password may be generated by performing the conversion orencryption based on the IC unique ID of the IC card 300 and the cardunique ID of the memory card 200, or the password may be generated byusing a random value or time without being based on these. Thegeneration of the password is performed for each card unique ID of thememory card 200.

The IC card is, e.g., the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, and hasthe password retention unit 301. The IC card 300 has the IC unique ID asthe identification information on the IC card 300.

The password retention unit 301 has the function similar to that of thepassword retention unit 101 of the electronic device 100. In addition,the password retention unit 301 may be provided in the electronic device100G instead of being provided in the IC card 300.

Next, a description will be given to an example of the operations of theelectronic device 100G. The electronic device 100G also performs theprocessing in FIGS. 3 and 4 similarly to the electronic device 100.

When performing the processing in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the electronicdevice 100G, the input of the password by the input unit 102 is notperformed, but the password generated by the password generation unit115 is used. When the password is set, instead of the processing ofinputting the password (e.g., the steps S105 and S112), the passwordgeneration by the password generation unit 115 is performed, and thepassword is stored in the password retention unit 301.

According to such electronic device 100G, it becomes possible for theuser to perform the password setting and the unlocking of the memorycard 200 without performing the input of the password. In addition, thegenerated password becomes difficult to be estimated so that thepassword is made safer than conventional passwords in terms of security.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of schematic configurations of anelectronic device 100H and the memory card 200 in an eighth embodimentof the present invention. In the electronic device 100H and the memorycard 200, the description of the components which are the same as thosein the configurations of the electronic device 100 C and the memory card200 shown in FIG. 6 will be omitted or simplified by retaining the samereference numerals. In the electronic device 100H, since operationsthereof are similar to the operations of the electronic device 100Cshown in FIGS. 7 and 8, only different operations will be described. Asthe electronic device 100H, there can be considered the PC, the PDA, theportable telephone terminal, the television, the digital still camera,the digital video camera, the IC recorder, the printer, the AV player,the AV recorder, the HDD portable storage, the car navigation terminal,and other electronic devices each to which the external storage devicesuch as the memory card 200 or the like can be connected.

The electronic device 100H has a main body lock mode setting unit 116 inaddition to the components of the electronic device 100C.

As main body lock modes related to the lock of the electronic device100H, the main body lock mode setting unit 116 sets a main body lockingmode for locking all or a part of functions of the electronic device100H, or a main body unlocking mode for unlocking the lock. It is to benoted that switching between the main body lock modes may require thepassword for the switching between the main body lock modes.

Next, a description will be given to an example of the operations of theelectronic device 100H. The electronic device 100H also performs theprocessing in FIGS. 7 and 8 similarly to the electronic device 100C.

When the main body locking mode is set by the main body lock modesetting unit 116, the main body lock mode setting unit 116 controls thepassword mode setting unit 110 such that the password setting mode isset. Then, the electronic device 100H performs the processing in FIG. 8.

On the other hand, when the main body unlocking mode is set by the mainbody lock mode setting unit 116, the main body lock mode setting unit116 controls the password mode setting unit 110 such that the passworderasing mode is set. Then, the electronic device 100H performs theprocessing in FIG. 7.

According to such electronic device 100H, when the deletion or resettingof the password is performed with respect to the memory card 200 inwhich the password has been set once in conjunction with the locking andunlocking of the main body of the electronic device 100H, it becomespossible to automatically delete the password in the memory card 200,and add the password thereto without the repeated input of the passwordso that convenience is improved.

For example, by setting the main body locking mode in the electronicdevice 100H to lock the electronic device 100H such as the portabletelephone terminal or the like using the password, it is possible to setthe password in the memory card 200 to lock the memory card 200.Consequently, in this case, even when the memory card 200 is lost orstolen, or the electronic device 100H is lost or stolen, it is possibleto prevent information leakage of data stored in the memory card 200.

It is to be noted that the password for locking all or a part offunctions of the main body of the electronic device 100H may be used asthe password of the memory card 200 instead of the input of the passwordby the input unit 102. In addition, the password may be generated by themethods for generating the password described in other embodiments andused as the password.

Ninth Embodiment

An electronic device 100I in a ninth embodiment of the present inventionhas the components of any one of the electronic devices 100, and 100B to100H, and a display part 117 that is not shown. The electronic device100I performs the processing described in the above-describedembodiments. As the electronic device 100I, there can be considered thePC, the PDA, the portable telephone terminal, the television, thedigital still camera, the digital video camera, the IC recorder, theprinter, the AV player, the AV recorder, the HDD portable storage, thecar navigation terminal, and other electronic devices each to which theexternal storage device such as the memory card 200 or the like can beconnected.

the display part 117 performs various data displays. The display part117 mainly displays herein a lock icon indicating that the password isalready set and the memory card 200 is locked, an unlock icon indicatingthat the password is already set and the memory card 200 is unlocked,and a password unset icon indicating that the password of the memorycard 200 is not set. In FIG. 14, (a) is a view showing an example of theelectronic device 100I performing the display, while in FIG. 14, (b) isa view showing examples of the icons displayed by the display part 117.

It is possible to recognize that the password is already set and thememory card 200 is locked from, e.g., the operation that the memory card200 is automatically brought into the locked state after the powersupply to the memory card 200. For example, in the case of “Yes” in thestep S104 of FIG. 3, the password is already set and the memory card 200is locked.

It is possible to recognize that the password is already set and thememory card 200 is unlocked from, e.g., the operation that the memorycard 200 is automatically brought into the locked state after the powersupply to the memory card 200 and, thereafter, the unlocking issuccessfully performed using the unlocking signal. For example, in thecase of “Yes” in the step S111 of FIG. 3 and in the case of “Yes” in thestep S114, the password is already set and the memory card 200 isunlocked.

It is possible to recognize that the password is not set from, e.g., theoperation that the memory card 200 is not automatically brought into thelocked state after the power supply to the memory card 200. For example,in the case of “No” in the step S104 of FIG. 3, the password is not set.

Next, a description will be given to an example of display processing bythe display part 117 in the electronic device 100I.

FIG. 15 is a view showing examples of the screen displays when thepassword is set in the memory card 200 in a case where the memory card200 in which the password is not set is connected.

When the electronic device 100I needs the input of the password by theinput unit 102 similarly to, e.g., the electronic devices 100, 100B, and100C, first, as shown in (a) of FIG. 15, the display part 117 displays asetting screen of the password. In this screen, the password unset iconis displayed.

Subsequently, as shown in (b) of FIG. 15, the display part 117 displaysan input screen of the password. In this screen, the password unset iconis continuously displayed.

Then, as shown in (c) of FIG. 15, the display part 117 displays anunlocking screen after the input of the password. In this screen, theunlock icon is displayed.

With the screen displays of FIG. 15, it is possible to instantlyascertain that the memory card is brought into the unlocked state afterthe password is set from the state where the password of the memory card200 is not set.

FIG. 16 is a view showing examples of the screen displays when thepassword is already set in the memory card 200, and the electronicdevice 100I or the IC card 300 retains the card unique ID and thepassword of the memory card 200.

In the electronic device 100I, when the password is set, and the cardunique ID and the password of the memory card 200 are retained in thepassword retention part 101 or the IC card 300 similarly to, e.g., theelectronic devices 100, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100100F, and 100G, before theinsertion of the memory card 200 in which the password is set into theelectronic device 100I or the like, the display part 117 displays, e.g.,a screen shown in (a) of FIG. 16. In addition, in this screen, thedisplay of the icon is not performed.

Subsequently, when the memory card 200 is inserted into the electronicdevice 100I, and the unlocking is performed after the authentication ofthe memory card 200 is performed using the password retained in thepassword retention part 101 or the like, as shown in (b) of FIG. 16, thedisplay part 117 displays the unlocking screen. In this screen, theunlock icon is displayed.

With the screen displays of FIG. 16, it is possible to instantlyascertain that the password is not unset, but the password is set in thememory card 200 and the memory card 200 is brought into the unlockedstate after the password authentication.

FIG. 17 is a view showing examples of screen displays of a password modesetting menu.

When the electronic device 100I sets the password mode similarly to,e.g., the electronic device 100C, as shown in (a) of FIG. 17, thedisplay part 117 displays a first menu screen. The first menu screen isa screen for performing switching from the password setting mode to thepassword erasing mode when the password setting mode is set. In thisscreen, the unlock icon is displayed.

In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 17, the display part displays asecond menu screen. The second menu screen is a screen for performingswitching from the password erasing mode to the password setting modewhen the password erasing mode is set. In this screen, the passwordunset icon is displayed.

With the screen displays of FIG. 17, it becomes possible to determinewhether the memory card 200 is in the unlocked state though the passwordis set in the memory card 200 or the password is not set, and switch thepassword mode.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a screen display of a passworddeleting/changing menu.

When the electronic device 100I deletes or changes the password set inthe memory card 200 similarly to, e.g., the electronic devices 100 and1008, as shown in FIG. 18, the display part 117 displays the passworddeleting/changing menu. In this screen, the unlock icon is displayed. Itis to be noted that, by permitting the deleting or changing of thepassword only when the unlocking is successfully performed, it is notnecessary to cause the user to perform verification of the password sothat convenience is improved.

With the screen display of FIG. 18, it is possible to determine whetherthe memory card 200 is in the unlocked state though the password is setin the memory card 200 or the password is not set, and perform theerasing or changing of the password.

A brief description will be given herein to an example of operationswhen the electronic device 100I performs the deleting and changing ofthe password.

With regard to the changing of the password, a new password inputtedfrom the input unit 102 is read, the corresponding password is read asthe present password from the password retention unit 101, and thesetting cancellation unit 105 transmits the new password and the presentpassword to the memory card 200 to change the password set in the memorycard 200. In addition, at that time, the corresponding password in thepassword retention table 101 a is updated with the new password.

With regard to the deleting of the password, the corresponding passwordis read as the present password from the password retention unit 101,and the setting cancellation unit 105 transmits the present password tothe memory card 200 to delete the password set in the memory card 200.At this time, in the case of the password erasing mode, the password isnot deleted from the password retention table 101 a. On the other hand,in the case of the mode other than the password erasing mode, thepassword may be deleted from the password retention table 101 a.

FIG. 19 is a view showing examples of screen displays when the passwordis already set, but the electronic device 100I or the IC card 300retains the card unique ID of the memory card 200 and the password whichis not in correspondence to the card unique ID.

In the electronic device 100I, when the password is already set,similarly to, e.g., the electronic devices 100, 100B, 100C, 100D,100100F, and 100G, but the card unique ID of the memory card 200 and thepassword which is not correspondence to the card unique ID are retainedin the password retention part 101 or the IC card 300, before theinsertion of the memory card 200 in which the password is set into theelectronic device 100I, the display part 117 displays, e.g., the screenshown in (a) of FIG. 19. In addition, in this screen, the display of theicon is not performed.

Subsequently, the memory card 200 is inserted into the electronic device100I, and the authentication of the memory card 200 is performed usingthe password retained in the password retention part 101 or the like.Thereafter, since the password retained in the password retaining part101 or the like does not match with the password retained in the memorycard 200, the unlocking is not performed, and the display part 117displays a password authentication screen. When the unlocking is notperformed even with the password inputted by the input unit 102, asshown in (b) of FIG. 19, the display part 117 displays a locking screen.In this screen, the lock icon is displayed.

With the screen displays of FIG. 19, since the locked state of thememory card 200 is not unlocked, it is possible to instantly ascertainthat the password retained in the password retaining part 101 or thelike is different from the password retained in the memory card 200 asin a case where, e.g., the password of the memory card 200 is changed byanother electronic device.

According to such electronic device 100I, it is possible to recognizewhether or not the password is set in the memory card 200 and whether ornot the memory card 200 is in the locked state at a glance.Consequently, it is possible to discern, e.g., whether the memory card200 is brought into the unlocked state simply because the password isnot set or the memory card 200 is automatically brought into theunlocked state after the locked state because the password is set.

It is to be noted that the functions of the electronic devices in thefirst to ninth embodiments can be combined. For example, in the passwordsetting mode and the password erasing mode, the password generated bythe password generation unit 115 of FIG. 12 can be used.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is useful for an electronic device, a program, andthe like which are capable of automatically unlocking a lock of anexternal storage device using a password without adding a function tothe external storage device.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: anexternal storage device connection part for connecting an externalstorage device capable of being locked by a password; an identificationinformation acquisition part for acquiring identification informationfor identifying the external storage device; a password retention partretaining the identification information and the password of theexternal storage device in association with each other; a lock statedetermination part determining whether or not the external storagedevice connected to the external storage device connection part is in alocked state; a password generation part generating the password; and anunlocking part transmitting a first unlocking signal for unlocking thelocked state of the external storage device on a basis of the passwordassociated with the identification information when the lock statedetermination part determines that the external storage device is in thelocked state and when identification information identical with theidentification information acquired by the identification informationacquisition part is retained in the password retention part, wherein thepassword generation part generates the password on the basis of theidentification information for identifying the external storage deviceand identification information for identifying an IC card connected tothe electronic device, and when the unlocking part fails in unlockingafter the transmission of the unlocking signal, the unlocking partretransmits a second unlocking signal on the basis of a passwordinputted by an input part.
 2. The electronic device according to claim1, wherein, when the unlocking part succeeds in unlocking after theretransmission of the second unlocking signal, the unlocking part storesthe identification information acquired by the identificationinformation acquisition part and the password inputted by the input partin the password retention part in association with each other.
 3. Anelectronic device, comprising: an external storage device connectionpart connecting an external storage device capable of being locked by apassword; a password retention part retaining the password of theexternal storage device; a lock state determination part determiningwhether or not the external storage device connected to the externalstorage device connection part is in a locked state; a passwordgeneration part generating the password; and an unlocking part, when thelock state determination part determines that the external storagedevice is in the locked stated, transmitting a first unlocking signalfor unlocking the locked state of the external storage device on a basisof the password retained by the password retention part, andtransmitting the unlocking signal on a basis of a second passwordretrieved from the password retention part when the unlocking part failsin unlocking, wherein the password generation part generates thepassword on the basis of the identification information for identifyingthe external storage device and identification information foridentifying an IC card connected to the electronic device, the unlockingpart sequentially retrieves another password from the password retentionpart and transmits said another password for unlocking the locked stateof the external storage device on a basis of said another password whenthe unlocking part fails in unlocking with the previous password.
 4. Theelectronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a passwordsetting part transmitting a password setting signal for setting thepassword to the external storage device.
 5. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the password setting part transmits thepassword setting signal for setting the password inputted by the inputpart.
 6. The electronic device according to claim 4, further comprising:a password mode setting part setting a password mode for setting orerasing the password, wherein when a password setting mode is set as thepassword mode, the password setting part transmits the password settingsignal on the basis of the password associated with the identificationinformation acquired by the identification information acquisition part.7. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising: apassword erasing part transmitting a password erasing signal for erasingthe password on the basis of the password associated with theidentification information acquired by the identification informationacquisition part when a password erasing mode is set as the passwordmode.
 8. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising:a main body lock mode setting part setting a main body lock mode forlocking or unlocking a function provided in the electronic device,wherein when a locking mode is set as the main body lock mode, thepassword mode setting part sets the password setting mode as thepassword mode.
 9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein,when an unlocking mode is set as the main body lock mode, the passwordmode setting part sets the password erasing mode as the password mode.10. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the passwordsetting part stores the set password in the password retention part. 11.The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the password is apassword for locking or unlocking the function provided in theelectronic device.
 12. The electronic device according to claim 1,wherein the password is based on IC identification information foridentifying an IC card connected to the electronic device.
 13. Theelectronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a dataaccess part for getting access to data of the external storage device;and a power supply part supplying power to the external storage deviceduring a time period when the access is performed by the data accesspart, wherein when the power is supplied by the power supply part, theunlocking part transmits the unlocking signal.
 14. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: an IC card connection partconnecting the IC card having the password retention part, wherein whendata reference or data storage is performed to the password retentionpart of the IC card, the unlocking part or the identificationinformation acquisition part makes an access request to the IC card. 15.The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the IC card is aSIM card.
 16. The electronic device according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a display part performing a display for reporting at leastone of a password setting state in the external storage device and alock setting state of the external storage device.
 17. The electronicdevice according to claim 16, wherein, when the password is set in theexternal storage device and the external storage device is in the lockedstate, the display part displays that the password is set in theexternal storage device and the external storage device is in the lockedstate.
 18. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, whenthe password is set in the external storage device and the externalstorage device is in an unlocked state, the display part displays thatthe password is set in the external storage device and the externalstorage device is in the unlocked state.
 19. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein, when the password is not set in theexternal storage device, the display part displays that the password isnot set in the external storage device.
 20. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the unlocking signal includes thepassword.
 21. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein thepassword setting signal includes the password.
 22. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the password erasing signal includes thepassword.
 23. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, whenthe password setting mode is set as the password mode, and when theidentification information acquired by the identification informationacquisition part is not retained in the password retention part, thepassword setting part transmits the password setting signal on the basisof the password inputted by the input part.
 24. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 17, wherein, when the external storage device isbrought into the locked state on the basis of the power supply to theexternal storage device, the lock state determination part determinesthat the password is set in the external storage device and the externalstorage device is in the locked state.
 25. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 18, wherein, when the external storage device isbrought into the locked state on the basis of the power supply to theexternal storage device and the unlocking of the locked state issuccessfully performed using the unlocking signal, the lock statedetermination part determines that the password is set in the externalstorage device and the external storage device is in the unlocked state.26. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein, when theexternal storage device is not brought into the locked state on thebasis of the power supply to the external storage device, the lock statedetermination part determines that the password is not set in theexternal storage device.
 27. An unlocking method comprising, in anelectronic device, the steps of: determining whether or not an externalstorage device is in a locked state; generating a password in a passwordgeneration part on a basis of identification information for identifyingthe external storage device and identification information foridentifying an IC card connected to the electronic device, transmittinga first unlocking signal for unlocking the locked state of the externalstorage device on a basis of the password retained in a passwordretention part retaining the password of the external storage devicewhen it is determined that the external storage device connected to anexternal storage device connection part connecting the external storagedevice capable of being locked using the password is in the lockedstate, and when the locked state is not unlocked after the transmissionof the first unlocking signal, retransmitting a second unlocking signalfor unlocking the locked state of the external storage device on thebasis of a password inputted by an input part.